By Deborah Goldman
Issue 94 - May 2010

How can you tell if your baby is too hot or cold? When can you take him swimming? How do you know if she is getting enough milk? These and other concerns answered by the expert.


Edging stomach-first towards Parentsville is similar to the sensation you get when you’re on a rollercoaster and are about to reach the top of the incline – from where you’ll go hurtling into the unknown. It’s somewhere between exhilaration and terror. At least, that is what it’s like for me.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m over the moon; but I’m also terribly nervous, my apprehension exacerbated by the fact that I have been given two for the price of one – twins!

Much of my anxiety stems from the fact that I am completely clueless about babies. The amount of documented information – not to mention cake – I’ve consumed so far is staggering, and on top of that, every Tom, Dick, and Harry has an opinion on feeding, sleeping and nipple-chafing. So I have a swarm of conflicting ideas to wrestle with, and a throbbing headache.

Dr Nicola Ngiam at the new International Paediatric Clinic has straight-up answers to some of my questions.

How will I know if the babies are getting enough milk?
You can gauge this by the amount of urine they pass. Needing to change their nappies five or six times a day is good indication that they are consuming enough.

(So that means I’ll be changing around 12 nappies every day. Gulp!) I’ve heard that breastfeeding can be painful. Is there any way to avoid the pain?
Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) and nipple thrush, which can result from nipples being cracked and sore, can be avoided or mitigated by effective breastfeeding techniques. Seek the advice of a lactation specialist like the one at Mother and Child in Tanglin Mall, who will help guide you through it and will even come to your home if necessary.

How long does it take to express one bottle of milk?
This varies,  but it usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Which vaccinations are recommended for newborns and when should they be administered?
Expect to make about six separate visits to the doctor within the first two years. The first batch of vaccinations will be administered within the first two months and include inoculation against tuberculosis and hepatitis B, followed by a six-in-one vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and polio and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B).

Although our schedule is geared towards the one recommended in Australia, we are flexible and are happy to follow the schedule recommended in your home country.

What is the ideal temperature for babies to sleep in, and is air-conditioning all right?
Although there is no formal recommendation, you should keep them warm while ensuring they don’t get overheated – overheating has been linked with SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Generally, if the temperature is comfortable for you it will be comfortable for your babies, too, but a good way to gauge this is to feel their hands and feet. Air-conditioning is fine as long as it isn’t set too cold.

From what age can I take them outdoors?
You can take babies outside anytime after birth, as long as they are kept away from extreme temperatures, harsh sunlight and crowded areas.

From what age can I take them swimming?
A general guide would be three-to-six months (after they have had their first batch of vaccinations). Ensure they don’t get too hot, and because sunscreen is only recommended for infants above the age of six months, I recommend that you don’t expose them to direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes at a time.

What is considered the ideal rate of weight gain?
Most babies will lose weight in the first week due to the loss of birth fluid, or if breastfeeding isn’t properly established (which is common and nothing to worry about). Birth weight is usually regained after the second week and the subsequent weight gain expectancy is around 30 grams per day. This is the average gain over a period of time, so don’t panic if they don’t always hit the 30-gram mark.


Recommended Partners

Mother and Child
Offers prenatal and postnatal classes, yoga classes and a well baby drop-in clinic. The IMC doctors hold regular talks on various topics at the centre. #03-11 Tanglin Mall. Call +65 6836 0063. www.motherandchild.com.sg

New Mother’s Support Group
The group welcomes members with children up to the age of five and offers monthly talks at IMC and coffee mornings, a bi-monthly newsletter containing heaps of useful info, tips, retail discounts and more. Membership costs $25 per year. www.nmsg-singapore.com


The International Paediatric Clinic (IPC) is part of the International Medical Clinic (IMC) group and offers the full spectrum of child health services, including newborn care, baby checks, immunisation, child development assessment and medical care for the range of paediatric illnesses. 1 Orchard Boulevard, #11-06 Camden Medical Centre. Call +65 6887 4440. www.imc-healthcare.com